Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma ½, it is owned by Rumiko Takahashi. I don't own anything. This is just for fun.

A/N: Sorry for the wait. I dedicated some of my time writing another crossover story for RWBY for my OC from my first story. It just so happens to be 4000 words already; all on a Saturday too. No idea why I did it but the idea popped in my head and I didn't want to lose it. Well without further ado enjoy the story.

3rd POV:

Horai Mountain

The two groups face off against one another ready glaring at their prospective opponent. While Mousse glares at the fox boy he turns to his comrade. "Nam I'm taking on fox boy. I'm in need of some payback. You think you can hold off the big ugly one until I'm done?"

Nam smirks. "Oh don't worry about me. I'm used to fighting overwhelming powerful opponents when I was sparing with Ryo. I'm sure I'll be able to take down this Neanderthal."

Lime chuckles at Nam's confidence. "Hmph, puny little man thinks he can beat me Mint. I'm going to have fun tearing his arms off."

"Big words coming from a filthy ape who can't spell his name." taunted Nam.

This, of course, angers Lime. "I'm a tiger, not an ape! And I can spell my name. Mint takes four eyes I'm going to take my time tearing this one apart." Lime then rushes Nam punching the spot Nam was standing at into oblivion. Nam backflips away from Lime to gain some distance.

The two then start their dance of cat and mouse with Lime trying to beat down Nam with his overwhelming strength as he continues destroying the area around them as he misses Nam who always escapes before he can land a punch.

Nam continues to dodge Lime's assault while smiling cheekily trying to piss Lime off while he tries to look for any weaknesses. Lime was getting fed up with Nam's antics grabs a tree tearing it off its roots swings it around like a bat trying to smash Nam like he was playing whack a mole.

Nam decided perhaps he played around long enough decides to get serious. "Okay maybe pissing him off wasn't a good idea. Before this monster crushes me I better get on the offensive."

Nam ducks under the tree as it swings overhead then Nam performs a Shoryuken dashing toward Lime closing the distance in moments then uppercutting him in the air forcing him to drop the tree. Nam then performs the primary lotus appearing behind Lime in the air wrapping some rope around him then spinning him like a top to the bottom plunging him in the ground feet up. Nam lands safely on the ground with some distance away from Lime as he observes Lime's twitching body.

After about a minute Lime manages to get out of the man-made hole he was in shaking his head to get the dirt off before narrowing his eyes on Nam obviously not happy. "Damn, they sure know how to grow them big in Musk kingdom. The bastard doesn't even look fazed. Guess I'll have to get a bit more serious." Nam then charges at Lime who is happy to do the same as the two immediately clash against one another as they both starts trading blows.

Elsewhere Mu-Tsu and Mint are commencing their own battle as both fighters take their battle in the trees throwing projectiles at one another. They jump from trees to trees as cover to protect themselves from each other's weapons.

As Mu-Tsu swing back around a tree to chase after the fast fox boy Mint jumps high in the sky using the sun as cover to obscure Mu-Tsu sight as he attacks from above throwing several knives. Mu-Tsu still notices this despite the lack of sight senses where the knives were headed and blocked them with a frying pan and throws back a claw chain. Mint sees this coming and deflects with his sword destroying the claw chain then landing on the ground in a ready position with Mu-Stu landing not too far behind with his arms crossed gently with grace.

"The only reason he would draw his sword is he doesn't have anymore throwing weapons. If so I can win!" As Mu-Stu is about to attack Mint closes the distance between them in moments attacking him. Mu-Stu quickly counters as he defends himself from Mint's onslaught.

"It's no use. You don't have anything you can use against me!" taunted Mint as he continued pressing his advance. Mu-Stu was initially surprised at the fox boy's speed but was starting to get used to it as he easily kept up with meeting Mint's blows blocking each one of them.

Mu-Stu smirks. 'This isn't as hard as I thought it would be. I expected he be much faster from our first meeting but he isn't as fast as I thought or perhaps I am just faster then I was before? I noticed that I'm actually much stronger and faster than last time I fought the kid. It looks like Ryoga's training paid off more than I thought because I know I can push more power now into my swings. Guess it's time to kick it up a notch and see what I can do.'

Mu-Stu focuses more ki into his arms reinforcing them making the stronger then takes to swords and both hands infusing them in ki making the blades even sharper and stronger as he switches from defense to offense as he starts to drive the fox boy back.

Mint was surprised how in moments how Mu-Stu started to slowly dominate the sword clash to point he had to retreat to get some distance but the other was quickly on his tail easily keeping up with him. The two continued their battle in the trees with Mu-Stu easily cutting trees apart as his ki infused swords were producing blades wind firing them at Mint making it harder for Mint to get some decent cover.

As Mint continues to run to cover as more wind blades destroy the trees dwindling his option more and more he is trying to come to terms with how he is losing. 'How the heck is he doing this? How can a mere human be able to do things only the strongest of the Musk warriors can ever do things like Herb's ki attacks? He can't be man-beast he smells too human, unlike Miss Ryoko who actually does have a scent similar to the lion clan members I met before.'

As Mint tries to duck behind another tree Mu-Tsu heads him off quickly disarms him then kicks him to a tree then uses chains to wrap around tying him to the tree. "Let me go you coward!" screamed Mint.

Mu-Tsu scoffs. "A coward wouldn't have been able to tie you to a tree. Now all that's left is the tiger-striped guy, I wonder how Nam is holding up against him. He seemed easily the stronger of the two especially the most dangerous?"

As Mu-Tsu heads over to Nam to assist him in his fight Nam is having a hard time trying to match Lime's blows as his attacks are barely affecting the tiger boy. As Nam continues to duck and weaves Limes attacks and his fast-paced attacks aren't doing any damage as he barely ducks under another fist the hit him partially but the effect was he was now bleeding on the side of his face. 'Damn it a straight up fist fight wasn't a good idea. It's taking everything I got to dodge his attacks. That scratch he got on me made it obvious a full on punch would destroy me. Think what would be able to penetrate that thick skin of his. Of course ki attacks, Herb blasted Lime easily before back at the spring. I just need time to charge a good one.'

Before Nam could even try to charge up his ki Lime breaks through Nam's defenses then punches him straight in the gut knocking the wind out of the monk sending him crashing against a tree. Before Nam could get even a minute to collect himself Lime was already standing over him. Lime gets down and grabs Nam by the throat holding him up in the air choking him to death.

As Nam struggles for air Lime darkly chuckles, "What wrong big mouth cat got your tongue? You were talking such a big game earlier so what happened?"

As Nam grasps for air his vision starts to swim. 'Damn it can't think straight losing breath. Can contrite enough to even fire a small ki blast. I need to think of something quick before I'm dead.'

Nam was losing strength fast and running out of time. Absentmindedly Nam came up with one last resort idea praying it would work. He reaches into his pocket takes out a thermos. Unscrewing it quickly he pours it on himself. The cold water from the thermos transforms him into his girl-form surprising Lime who loosens his grip just a bit.

'Thank goodness I forgot to heat that thermos up. Now to make sure this idiot is completely distracted.' Nami then opens up her shirt revealing her c-cup breast to the tiger boy. Lime, of course, gawks at the breasts completely loosening his grip on her to the point she could easily get out now. Nami taking advantage of his distracted state draws ki to her fingers charging up a ki blast.

"Hey if you like my breast so much then you can have them!" Nami raises her finger up to Lime's face. "Now take this Neo Dodon Ray!" a blast of ki straight into Lime's face knocking him back into a tree.

Nami is now on the ground holding her neck gasping for air. "That was a close one. Now I gotta finish this." Nam gets up and cups her hands together and starts gathering her ki.

Lime burst out from the tree completely infuriated with his face black from the blast. He then straight at Nami fully intends to beat her down like a drum. Just as he is about to reach her Nami fires "Hadouken!" straight into his chest knocking him back into the tree.

Luckily for Nami who was getting tired that Mu-Tsu had arrived. "Nami are you okay, what happened to your neck?"

Nami is panting while holding her bruised neck. "Oh, its nothing I just was almost strangled to death so no problem here, how are you?"

Mu-Tsu shakes his head. "Sheesh, Nami now isn't the time for sarcasm. But by the looks of it, the big guy won't go down lightly. I say he is a lot like Ryoga before she came back from Jusenkyo and got a new curse. Just stand back if anything I learned from watching Ryoga and Ranma's fights the best way to take down an over-powerful opponent is a bit of precision is to take them down bit by bit."

Lime then again burst out from the tree completely infuriated with a burnt blackens bruises on his chest charges again to pummel Nami. Mu-Tsu, of course, wasn't having that ordering Nami to get at a safe distance Mu-Tsu circles around the tiger boy firing "Dodon Rays" at him to slowly whittle him down.

Lime tries to block the blast but the speed of the last always gets through his defenses hammering him. Lime in a desperate effort to pummel the Amazon boy grabs a huge rock uses it as a shield as he tries to get in close to the other than crush him with the rock.

Mu-Tsu seeing what Lime was trying to do smirks. He then cups his hands together in front of him charging his ki causing his palm to glow yellow as a ball of ki forms. Lime who was getting close the Amazon boy grins as he is about to reach him. Just as Lime got a foot close to the Amazon boy Mu-Tsu fire a "Light Grenade!" straight at Lime tearing through the rock hitting Lime hard knocking the breath out of him blowing him far back.

Mu-Tsu smiles at his handy work but knows he isn't finished so he jumps into a tree above the tiger boy then cups his hands together forming a triangle. "Well, I hope you are ready for the coup de grace because I'm going to use a technique that Ryoko taught exclusively to me and me alone so be honored!"

Lime was struggling to get back up so he can break the bastard who dared embarrass him like this looks up to find the voice of the annoying bastard only to find the Amazon in a particular stance for some strange reason ranged alarm bell that demanded he runs. "Now take this Neo Tri-Beam HA!" yelled Mu-Tsu.

Lime is then hit by a wave of ki energy that buried him to the ground. As he tries to get up he is hit again continuously as he and the area around him are pushed further into a triangular hole.

A little bit away Ranko who was knocked out starts to wake up after hearing the noise. "Huh, where am I? Wait how long was I out and where are the others?" Ranko looks around then hears a noise and a bright yellow glow. "Hey isn't that Mousse yelling? Damn it those guys went ahead without me. What are those two doing right now?" Ranko gets up running to where the noise of battle was.

Back to the fight Lime who was constantly being buried further into the ground was loosing conscious as the damage of his head hitting the ground was taking its toll until eventually, he passed out. Mu-Tsu who was firing notices the Lime had stopped moving so he stops his attack to check his handy work. Heading to the hole he made he sees that Lime in the center of the hole passed out. "Well, that's that now where is that ladle?"

Nami then arrives standing next to Mu-Tsu. "Hey, Mu-Tsu I found the ladle. Here I know you wanted it." Nami looks to the unconscious form of Lime. "Wow, you really went to town on him. Man, how did you get this strong? You beat him with no sweat at all."

"Perhaps later I'll tell you but let's get somewhere more secluded." Mu-Tsu then runs off with Nami following further into the forest with the ladle in hand.

With Ranko

The redhead was running toward where the light show was that died down a little while ago until she heard some noise. Looking toward it she finds both Mousse and Nami running toward the river with the ladle in hand. "What are those two doing? Wait was that the ladle? What would those two want the ladle for? Wait Cologne said the ladle locks peoples forms didn't she? I had asked if I splashed myself in male form would I stay a man she said I am still locked in cursed form. Don't tell me those two think they can cure themselves. Those idiots I got to stop them!" Ranko then runs after them full speed in hopes to stop them.

Back with Herb

Herb had finally woken up after hearing a witnessing the light from Mu-Tsu Tri-beam from her cave. Deciding to investigate she grabs Ryoko gently putting her on her back heading to where the light was. As she comes to the scene of where the battle was she finds both Lime and Mint unconscious. "So both o you idiots were defeated. How shameful you two. Now Wake UP you Two!"

Herb's scream woken both Musk warriors as Lime picks himself up from the hole tirelessly while Mint who was still tied to a tree struggles in vain. "Herb, we are sorry we lost. Those bastards cheated somehow; especially the long-haired one with all his weapons." Said Mint.

Herb shakes her head. "No excuses. I see you two also lost the ladle. I suggest if you two don't want to be severely punished then you better get it back NOW!"

The two nods their heads affirmative with Lime cutting Mint loose with the two then running after the Nerima warriors.

With Mousse and Nami they made it to the river where they sat the ladle down. "Finally at long last, I can say goodbye to being a duck. Nami how about you ready to rid yourself of your curse." Asked Mousse.

Nami shakes her head. "No thanks I actually like my curse. But are sure this will work?"

"To each their own and of course it will work it has to. Well here goes nothing." While Mousse dumps the ladle water onto himself Ranko breaks through the foliage to stop him.

"Wait don't do it won't work!" yelled Ranko.

Unfortunately, she was too late as Mousse was already transformed into a duck with Nami gawking at that fact. "You poured the water on yourselves, didn't you? Asked Ranko which Nami nodded her head? Ranko takes out a pot heating it up then pours it on the two.

Nami turns back into Nam while the duck remains a duck. "Well good new Nam here is still able to transform back. Bad new Mousse is stuck as a duck forever." Said Ranko. Mousse immediately starts crying at the realization that his plan backfired horribly.

Nam tries to say something to Ranko but she doesn't understand him. "Oh great now I'm stuck with a useless duck and a guy who can't speak proper Japanese just great can this day get any worse?" Nam who looked like he was getting angry grabs Ranko by the head turns it to look behind her only to see two ragged musk warriors in the air about to attack them.

"Me and my big mouth." Ranko, Nam, and the Duck dodge the two air born musk attacks. Mint who uses his speed makes a beeline for the ladle. Nam seeing this tries to intercept him but Mint makes it to the ladle first then use the ladle to splash Nam transforming him to Nami locking her curse. This, of course, distracts Nami enough for Mint to sweep kick her then run back to Lime's side.

Ranko who was evading Lime's attacks at the time saw how now Nami is too is locked. 'They locked Nami too. Now those guys have gone too far.'

Lime and Mint are now in a fighting stance ready to do battle. "This fight should be a piece of cake. The Amazon is now a duck so he is useless. The girl is weak so no problem there. And the redhead with both our combined strength she will fall in no time at all." Said Lime.

"You think we can bring the brown hair girl back with us Lime? She is fun to have around." Asked Mint.

"Hmm I'm not sure about that but we'll knock her out and bring her to Herb and let him be the judge of whether we can keep her or not." Said Lime.

The two then charge the group planning on ending the fight. Ranko who was watching the two was getting angry and had no plans on letting these two off easy for locking her friends even if one of them locks is their own fault. Just as Lime's punch and Mint's sword was about to reach the redhead she catches both fist and sword and both hand holding them both back. Both Musk warriors were surprised that the redhead caught both of their attacks and was curious why there was some kind of smoke surrounding her hand and body. Before they could get an answer a red aura burst from her body as she breaks Mint's sword and crushes Lime's fist forcing him to his knees screaming before she lets go.

Lime hurriedly backs away from the redhead clutching his smashed hand as he glares at the red aura blazing redhead. "Kaioken x2!" yelled the redhead. Ranko then moves so fast it looked like she teleported between both Musk warriors instantly as she kicks Mint in the stomach straight through a tree knocking him unconscious. She then in that same moment elbow thrust into Lime's gut knocking the wind out of them then kicks him in the same direction Mint was crashing through trees before falling unconscious.

Both Nami and Duck where surprised Ranko easily defeated both Musk warriors even more surprising it looked like Ranko had mastered Ryoga's Kaioken technique. 'I can't believe she actually beat them so easily. She even has the same red aura as Ryo too. So this is Ranma Saotome. She really can master techniques as fast as Ryo said. At this rate, she'll catch up to Ryo in no time if she hadn't already.' Thought Nami.

Mu-Duck who was dragging the ladle with the rest was also staring at the blazing redhead. 'I can't believe how easily Saotome beat those two. And the bastard used the same red aura Ryoko used in the Neko-Hanten. How much stronger is that bastard going to get?'

Ranko's red aura starts to disappear as she powers down panting. 'Wow, that was a real rush. Ryoga wasn't joking about the pain I would suffer under the technique as my body hurts all over like I was someone's punching bag but the power flowing through at the time was well worth it. It's just a matter of time then I can challenge Ryoga again and beat him. Of course, after I find him and apologize about what happened before?'

As things were calming down the ladle starts acting up as it starts moving by itself before pointing in a certain direction with a beam of light shining at a spot that looked like a pot on the mountain.

"Now I understand why Herb and the others were carrying the ladle with them. It's a compass to where the Open-Water Kettle is hidden! Come on you two the Kettle is within our reach we have to hurry if we are to cure ourselves." exclaimed Ranko. Ranko starts following the beam of light ladle in hand with Nami running after her carrying the duck.

A little bit away Herb still carrying a slumbering Ryoko spots the beam of light. "That's the light beam the ladle emits when near the Open-Water Kettle! Well, I guess that Ranma was good for something after all." Herb then picks up speed heading toward the beam of light. On the way, she passes by both of her retainers unconscious forms. "You idiots better stop taking naps if you know what's good for you!"

This stirs them back awake as they struggle back on their feet. Herb continues on unperturbed as she catches up with Ranko and co. Smirking Herb steps on Ranko's head as she continues on. "HAhaha, thanks for the help! Thanks to you our search time has been reduced."

"Damn them! I refuse to lose to you lizard breath! And return Ryoko you thief!" yelled Ranko.

Herb scoffs. "Not on your life. She belongs to the Musk now. Like I would ever give one of my own to a filthy monkey like you!"

The insult, of course, infuriates the redhead. "Damn that bastard! I've haven't come this far to be beaten by Herb!"

The two group near the summit of the mountain where the Kettle is located. Herb not wanting their interference blasts a nearby boulder causing the rock to fall on Ranko and Nami partially burying them. "Damn you Herb!" screamed Ranko.

Herb smirks. "Now be a good girl and stay there. I promise to come back to silence you permanently."

A moment later both Lime and Mint finally catch up kneeling before Herb. "My prince we are sorry we failed to recover the Ladle." Said Lime.

"Nevermind that the Kettle is right before us I'll deal with you two for your failure later." Said Herb. Herb's group then continues on reaching the summit where they find a stone pot. Seeing that the light shines on the sprout Herb blast it revealing the Open-Water Kettle.

"At last, I found it huh?" said Herb. At that moment the sprout of the stone pot gushes out hot water forming a waterfall.

"Hot water is pouring from it!" said Lime.

Herb looks to the waterfall. "There must have been an underground spring and the Open-Water Kettle caused the water to boil. In other words, this hot water from the waterfall is the mystical water that undoes the locking effects of the Ladle."

Herb then places Ryoko gently down by a rock next to the water. "I have been waiting a long time for this. At long last, I can return to my real form." Herb enters the waterfall with the hot water pouring onto her transforming her into her male form. Now Herb exits the water fully male.

Back with Ranko and co they finally dug themselves out of the rumble and were back on the trail as they reached the summit. "A waterfall of hot water, the Kettle must be there!" said Ranko.

As Ranko, Nami and Mu-Duck reach the waterfall they find a very male Herb. "Heh, so you finally arrived. Now that I've returned to being a man you'll find that my power is even greater than I was as a woman." Herb fires an energy blast more powerful than before causing Ranko and Nami to barely dodge.

"Since you did such a good job defeating my subordinates I will grant you a chance to use the water. If by some miracle you can defeat me I will allow you to bathe in the hot waters of the Musk Dynasty's Open-Water Kettle." Said Herb.

Ranko smirks. 'If I beat Herb we can become men again.' "Herb I accept your challenge! Nami stands back he is mine!"

Nami gets back holding Mu-Duck as she watches the battle unfold. 'I can't believe how concern Ranko was over us when we got locked. Even though we betrayed her she still was looking out for us. I'm starting to see why Ryo holds Ranko in such high regard now. Man, I feel like shit now, I have to apologize to Ranko for what happened earlier.' Nami looks to the waterfall and sees Ryoko still asleep guarded by Lime and Mint. 'Maybe while those two fight I rescue Ryoko as my first step to making amends.'

Herb narrows his eyes on Ranko. "I hope you know this will be for real. Ryu Sei Hisho!" Herb launches his attack gliding through the air much faster than before heading straight for Ranko. Ranko was surprised how much faster Herb was and barely sees the attack coming as she barely blocks the brunt of the attack as Herb in a blaze of ki pummels Ranko knocking her into the ground.

Ranko quickly gets up as her aura burst letting her ki to envelop around her body like flames then she collects ki down on her feet making the power swell before bursting launching herself at Herb with great speed closes the distance between her and Herb punching him in his smug face knocking him into the rocks destroying it.

Herb climbs out of the rumble infuriated. "How the hell did you do that? That technique you used was similar to my Ryu Sei Hisho!"

Ranko smirks. "Simple like how you use your ki blast to bounce off the ground and strike your opponent I used my ki blast to explode the ground I was standing on to give me momentum to launch me directly at you. This is the counter I devised to counter your technique!" 'But if I was being honest I learned how to do this during training with Ryoko when she was teaching me the kaioken to use ki blast at my feet to help boost my speed even use it in the air to make it so I can temporarily fly. The last one is still a work in progress but I'll get it done soon enough.'

Herb was completely infuriated that Ranko managed to actually devise a counter to his move that practically stole his technique. Not letting this stand Herb attacks. "Hito Ryu-Zan Ha!" Blades of ki then launch at Ranko which she uses her speed to dodge. Unfortunately, the blades hit the stone pot cutting it off the mountaintop falling down the Cliffside.

"The Open-water Kettle!" exclaimed Ranko.

"You can't have it!" Herb blast at the redhead forcing her to dodge. "Lime, Mint get the Kettle!"

"Yes, sir." Lime and Mint chorused as they made their way to where the Kettle went.

Ranko continues her fight with Herb matching blow for blow. "Nami take Mousse and get the Kettle! This is your best chance to be men again hurry!"

Nami may not understand what Ranko said but she knew she had to go after the Kettle. Nami looks toward Ryoko where she continued to lie asleep. "Just wait a little longer I will save you soon best buddy. Come on Mu-Tsu let's get that kettle. Then Quacks affirmative as they make their way down the Cliffside.

Ranko and Herb, however, continue their battle fighting at each other at incredible speeds. Herb, however, wasn't going to let this stand having Ranko come close to being an equal. Reluctantly he unleashes more power as he starts to push back Ranko immensely as he starts to overpower her.

Ranko seeing Herb was getting serious ups the ante. "Kaioken x 2!" a red aura engulfs her body as red aura flames around her body.

Herb was speechless at the sightseeing this monkey use the same power Ryoko used. He was too stunned when Ranko launched her attack. "Kaioken Attack!" as she charges at the opponent and roundhouse kicks him up into the air. Then, she jumps up in the air using ki blast as platforms to keep going higher and faster and punches Herb away. Next, she dashes up over Herb and down behind to double kick him further up into the air. Finally, Ranko jumps back up into the air using ki blast platforms then around Herb and hook kicks him down into the ground forming a small crater, inflicting a huge amount of damage.

Back with the fighter's companions Lime and Mint follow the tumbling pot down the Cliffside. Mint using his chain throws it wrapping around the pot while Lime grabs the chain tying it to another rock sticking out of the cliff using it as support to stop the pot then pull it back up.

Nami and Mu-Duck who weren't far behind take advantage of this as they make a break for the pot with Mu-Duck cutting the chain with his hidden blades and Nami catching it.

"Hey give that back!" yelled Mint. Lime and Mint quickly run in pursuit of the girl and duck. The three and duck make their way to the cliff edge with Lime and Mint attacking Nami. Nami counters by enveloping herself in a flame of ki empowering herself so she could keep up and both block, dodge and attack them in turn. Mu-Duck helped in the fight using his hidden weapons by throwing at the two musk warriors distracting them giving Nami opening to attack.

Lime and Mint were getting frustrated at the situation trying to get the Kettle back but couldn't get it back with those two working together not to mention they were still hurt badly from their last battles as Lime still couldn't use his right crushed hand.

Back with Herb and Ranko Herb climbs out of the crater coughing up some blood. The sight of his own blood infuriates the prince immensely that someone so lowly had hurt him. 'No this is impossible how did this filthy monkey hurt me! I can't let this stand. Ranma you bastard you stained my honor and for that, I can no longer hold back; you had made this personal and I need to kill you to wipe the stain off my honor!'

Before Herb was going to unleash his power he had to know how Ranma got that red aura. "Tell me Ranma, how did a filthy monkey like you obtain the same power as Miss Ryoko?"

Ranko who was standing at a distance from Herb uses this opportunity to power down to recover as much energy as possible. "On our way to Horai Ryoko helped train us and taught us some of her techniques. She also taught me her Kaioken technique when I asked her too." 'I may not have mastered it yet as x 2 is as high as I can go in such a short amount of time but t will be enough.'

"To think Miss Ryoko's generosity would go as far to teach her greatest technique to someone like you. Be grateful Ranma because that will be the last technique she ever teaches a bastard like you. Now be grateful and behold the true power of the Musk Dynasty behold the power of the Dragon King!" Herbs aura burst as his power skyrockets causing the ground to tremble with some rocks even starting to float as Herb reaches his true power.

Ranko seeing this power up her Kaioken x 2 readying herself for a fight of her life. "Now you will know true fear Ranma!" Herbs close the distance between Ranko in moments punching her in the face knocking her into the air.

Ranko quickly recovers dashing toward Herb to meet his assault as the two meet each other blows but Ranko quickly realizes Herbs attack are more powerful and he starts to overwhelm her.

'Damn't he just keeps getting stronger and this area is just getting hotter from both our ki clashing. Wait that means I can yes that will work time I use my trump card!' Ranko then leads Herb in a spiral preparing her ultimate technique.

Reaching the center Ranko smirks preparing her move. "Hiryu Shoten Ha!" Herb is then swept up in the tornado as he is blown away. The tornado is immense as it affects the area upturning the area. It also affects where Ryoko slept pushing her into the pool of hot water. It even affects the area where Nami and the others at causing them to fall off the cliff edge.

Ranko is standing at the epicenter where she launched her most powerful move. She had already powered down and was making her way to where Ryoko was last at. "I won now I can be a man again. I just have to rescue Ryoko first. I hope she won't be too mad at me." Before she can make it over to her she senses something and looks up. She sees Herb gliding down nonchalantly before blasting her down on the ground hard.

Herb scoffs. "Hmph, the Hiryo Shoten Ha was a wonderful display of futility. While I was shooting off energy attacks after being disgracefully heated I noticed you were drawing a trace of my blast into a spiral I knew the cold energy you were giving off was going to be used to make a tornado. So at the last moment, I let off cold energy the same as you and rode the vortex up. You were a fool to think a technique like that would catch me a descendant of dragons who controls ki by surprise."

While Ranko was having trouble coming to terms with the fact her ultimate technique was neutralized Nami and the others were falling into a flowing river below.

"Ow, the water is becoming boiling hot." Said Mint

Nam and Mousse surface from how water from the river. "We are men again. The Kettle must have affected the water and now we are cured." Said Mu-Tsu.

"Hey we should hurry on back to rescue Ryoko and cure Ranko!" said Nam.

It was at that moment the two musk warriors make their way to them. "Hey how did you two become men again?" said Lime.

The now naked Mu-Tsu smirks evilly at the two cupping his hands together in a triangle. "Neo Tri-Beam Ha!" he blasts the other two into the boiling water knocking them unconscious. "You have no idea how long I wanted to pay them back for treating me so roughly as a duck."

"Come on man let's get going and put some clothes on its embarrassing seeing your dong in the open." Nam and Mu-Tsu then make their way to the battleground.

Back at the summit in the pool of hot water, Ryoko fell in she or he now that he transformed back was still in his mind but his body was starting to awaken.

Ryoga's Mind Palace

From within Ryoga's mind palace, the place with the help of his inner self Ryoko had managed to organize some of the areas of his constantly moving labyrinth of a mind. Together they were able to make so least a dozen or so rooms are now available to be accessed at any time. As well as make a few of the alternating staircases move only move from platform to platform via terminal. This allowed them to choose their route in some of the areas in the labyrinth instead of the choice being made for them.

There was still lots of other areas they hadn't gotten under control yet but in time maybe they could minimize some of the damage the curse caused. "Wow I can't believe I can actually get anywhere I want to go in the Alpha Quadrant of the labyrinth." Said Ryoko.

"Yeah, it's really nice to know where I'm going for once. It's strange for once I feel like I have a sense of direction. You think this will help in the real world?" Said Ryoga.

Ryoko gets in a thinking pose. "Hmm hard to say I need more time researching the curse on the terminal but t should help you be more aware when the shift to one place to another takes place. Other than that I noticed the other quadrants are still affected heavily by the curse that we will only get lost going there."

The two Hibiki's make their way into the main control room being the combined Tendo family room and guest room now that Akane's room is disappearing and becoming his own bedroom which he shares with Karin now Ryoga scratches the back of his head as he watches Ryoko work the terminals. "I guess that is the best I can ask for now. So how long have I've been in here?"

"I say almost a day. I believe it is a little after in the afternoon." Replied Ryoko.

Ryoga has a look of surprise. "Really, I must really be asleep then wait I remember there being a tiger before I fell asleep. I thought it would kill me so I'm still alive."

Ryoko laughs heartwarmingly. "Of course you are alive Oniichan. We wouldn't be able to talk if you died." While she was looking through the terminal she has a look of surprise as an alert appears on the screen. "Um, Oniichan we have a problem. It looks like your real body is drowning. Something must have happened that caused you to fall in the water."

Ryoga looks at Ryoko in concern. "I guess that means I have to leave now or else I'll die. 'Killing you in the process nee-chan.' How do I wake up and is it possible for me to talk with you again after I leave?"

Ryoko looks at Ryoga heartwarmingly. "Oh Oniichan always looking out for others before yourself but thanks for the concern; now that I have control of this place I should be able to communicate to you from your mind from time to time. While I'm in here I think I'll do my best to go over the information we got on all those other techniques we got from various animes and choose the ones I think we can best learn from instead of trying random techniques because they look cool but just won't work for us."

Ryoga smiles. "Thanks, nee-chan you're the best little sister I ever had; just wished I could bring you with me."

Ryoko returns the smile. "Be careful what you say or else Karin might get jealous. And since we are using mostly Dragon ball techniques there may be a technique that might allow me a temporary body but that's for later experimentation. Okay, time I show you how to leave your mind palace and don't worry Oniichan I'll always be with you."

Ryoko starts showing Ryoga how to leave his mind palace. Using this opportunity to give her one last hug and kiss on the forehead before he leaves his mind palace.

Horai Mountain

Ranko had turned her Kaioken to maximum power as she tried to fight against Herb's onslaught. Ranko evades another ki blast closing the distance between them launch a roundhouse kick only for Herb to grab it then swing her down to the ground creating a crater. In response, Ranko fires off a double Moko Takabisha at Herb blowing him back causing him to let go of the redhead.

Ranko sensing she is running out of time as the strain of the kaioken is overwhelming she quickly rushes Herb at great speed while charging up another ki attack. As she reaches Herb standing in front of him she fires "KA MA HA ME HA!" powered by her kaioken blasting Herb through the Cliffside burying him in the rubble.

Ranko's power then goes out as she collapses on the ground as panting hoarsely. "Ranma we have the Kettle! We're going to cure you now!" yelled Mu-Tsu.

Ranko turns her head to where the voices were and were happy to see both of them male again with Kettle in hand. Unfortunately, before Ranko could get the Kettle Herb burst out of the rubble his robes torn in place with cuts and bruises and he was furious. "Enough of this DIE YOU FILTHY MONKEY! Dragon Fire Blast!"

Herb's blast heads straight for Ranko and she is unable to move. Nam and Mu-Tsu were too far away to do anything. Ranko could do nothing but brace herself for her soon to be death. Luckily for our hero at the same time, the pool of water where Ryoga was in he had woken up. Immediately his ki senses alerted him that a battle was going on overhead and his friend Ranko was in danger. Acting quickly he powers up his Kaioken blasting out of the water heading straight for Ranko at near blinding speed. He quickly intercepts the blast holding it in place with both hands struggling to hold it at bay.

Ranko is surprised the moment a red blur appears before her only to see Ryoga standing before her. "Ryoga!"

The bandanna boy looks back smiling. "Hey, Ranko you look like you were in trouble so I hope you don't mind if I cut in." Ryoga then turns back drawing more power.

"Kaioken x 3!" Ryoga then tosses the blast to the side where it went off from the mountain hitting the ground exploding.

Herb looks at the interloper who dares save the monkey only to look at the suspect confusedly as the bandanna boy look familiar to a certain blond girl. Not to mention they are wearing the same clothes. "Hey, you who are you? You familiar and by your scent, you are similar to Ryoko a lion clan member. Are you by any chance her brother?"

Ryoga stares at Herb stoically. "No, I'm afraid to inform you I'm Ryoko Hibiki. Like you and Ranma I too transform into a girl. Sorry I didn't tell you earlier it slipped my mind. But that's not important I believe we still have a score to settle. Herb, I challenge you for your dragon ball!"

Herb stares at Ryoga before laughing. "Sorry about that I guess life truly is strange. No matter I accept your challenge on one condition. If I win you are to be splashed with the ladle locked in your curse form and come with us willingly to the Musk Dynasty."

Ranko didn't like the sound of that and was about to interject but Ryoga responded first. "Deal!" Ranko was shocked that Ryoga would agree so willingly. And before she could say anything to try and change his mind Ryoga was already charging straight at Herb.

Ryoga closes the distance breaking Herb's defense punching him in the chest throwing him into more debris. Herb was surprised how much stronger Ryoga's strength was compared to Ryoko. Herb quickly gets back up to meet Ryoga's charge as the two trade blows as their battle takes to the sky as their power skyrockets tearing the mountain apart.

Ranko was holding onto a rock for support as she watched the battle above. Nam and Mu-Tsu made their way to her side. "Hey, Saotome are you okay? We brought the Open water Kettle." Said Mousse.

Ranko happily takes the kettle pouring it over herself turning back into a man. "Thanks, guys it's good to be a man again."

"Are you sure you are all right you look really beat up?" asked Nam who was being translated by Mousse.

Ranma waves it off. "Relax it is just the Kaioken really takes a lot out of me." 'Besides I'm more worried about Ryoga than I am myself. I never fought someone so powerful before. Hell if it weren't for Ryoga's training I would be dead 10 no 100 times over. Please, Ryoga you got to win this. I still need to apologize to you not to mention that bastard plans on taking you away from us.'

Nam and Mousse look at each other knowing they need to do this. "Ranma we like to say we are sorry for earlier we both knocked you out planning to betray you and take the ladle. If you wish to punish us in any way we will humbly accept it." They both chorused.

Ranma was surprised they were both apologizing to him reminding him they are doing similar things to what Ryoga was doing. "Okay, that's enough of that. There is no need to apologize; you guys brought me the Kettle curing me so that makes up for what happened before. So now let's just put it behind us and let bygones be bygones."

Nam and Mousse tried to dispute it saying it wouldn't feel right but Ranma wouldn't hear it. Nam and Mousse then vowed they would repay the debt they owed Ranma somehow.

Back into the sky, the two were still battling out. Herb who was using the hot energy from their battle to glide about allowing him flight; while Ryoga duse ki platforms to jump off from propelling himself into the air making it almost look like he was flying.

As both fighters traded blows both fighters were somewhat enjoying themselves especially Herb. Unlike the battle with Ranma Herb respected Ryoga so his dragon blood sang at the chance to fight a worthy opponent.

Ryoga seeing that they were almost matched but saw that Herb was a bit stronger up the ante. "Kaioken x 5 Attack!" he charges at Herb at great speed and roundhouse kicks him up further into the air. Herb recognizes the attack and starts firing ki blast trying to stop the blazing comet as it zinged zagged around his blast then appears in front of Herb punching him and kicking him numerous times then kicks Herb away. Next, he dashes up over Herb and down behind to double kick him further up into the air.

{Oniichan you have him on the ropes.} said inner Ryoko.

'Ryoko is that you?'

{Of course it's me who else but your sister would be cheering you on. Oh almost forgot I got a new move I like you to try and finish him off with. I think it would be really cool and I changed the moves name at the end to something I thought suits you. Come on try it I think it would make you really cool!} happily said inner Ryoko.

The knowledge of the technique flashes in his head. 'Umm, I'm not so sure about all this other stuff at the beginning you want me to say. I sound more like what some sentai hero would say. But for you nee-chan I guess I'll give it a try.'

{Yay you are the best go get him Oniichan kick his lizard butt!} said inner Ryoko.

Finally, Ryoga jumps up higher into the air as he raises his fist. "Herb prepare yourself! This hand of mine glows with an awesome power!" His hand actually starts to glow golden. This, of course, catches the attention of Herb and the others down below.

"Its burning grip tells me to defeat you!" A symbol of a lion appears on his hand. Herb seeing this recovers in air pushes his power to max as he charges directly at Ryoga.

'Hmm look like Ryoko is getting ready for a final move. Sounds a bit cheesy but my dragon blond demand I meet the challenge. This attack will definitely be down to our fist and I know a technique perfect for the job considering I learned it from you.' Herb raises his arm as red electricity runs through it.

"Here I go! Fist of the Lion King!" the form of a golden lion forms around Ryoga's arm.

"Dragon Fist!" the form of red Shenron forms around Herb's arm.

The two fighters speed toward one another while to onlookers the forms of a descending red dragon and ascending golden lion is about to clash. Ranma and the others were shocked speechless of the spectacle above them as well as the other two musk warrior who finally arrived especially when both dragon and lion collided.

Both the red dragon and golden lion were vying for dominance. The both tried biting each other in the necks but neither looked to be ready to give in. That was until a red light in the Golden lion shined brightly.

"Kaioken x 7!" The golden lion now surrounded in a red aura tore through the red dragon before both exploded. From the explosion, two balls of light fell down crashing hard into the ground.

Ranma and the others quickly went to check the huge crater finding both Herb and Ryoga not far from one another. Herb was unconscious but Ryoga was on his knees barely keeping his head up as his body was twitching and muscles convulsing.

Ryoga was panting hoarsely. "Damn that really hurt. Times x 7 was really pushing it."

{Oniichan are you okay? You are in a lot of pain I can feel it in here. Try not to move too much. I wish I could go out there and help Oniichan.} said inner Ryoko.

'Don't worry about it nee-chan. Just hearing your voice actually helps me.' Before Ryoga could talk more with inner Ryoko Ranma and the others arrive at his side.

"Ryoga are you okay buddy?" Ranma reaches out for Ryoga touching his shoulder causing Ryoga to yelp in pain as his muscles convulse. 'Oh no, this must be what Ryoga warned me about overusing the kaioken. It looks like his body is being ripped apart from the inside.'

"Please, guys try not to touch me at the moment. Sorry but I'm in a lot of pain right now." Groaned Ryoga.

"Ryoga please be okay man. I missed you when you ran off yesterday." Said Nam trying not to cry now hat his friend was back.

"Yeah sorry for worrying you Nam." Replied Ryoga.

Mousse was carefully watching the other musk warriors worrying over Herb. "I can't believe Herb lost." Said Lime.

"I know what you mean. I thought Herb was invincible." Said Mint.

Before anyone could do anything to help the two out of the crater the mountain trembles as it starts to fall apart. The ground around them starts to open up.

"Guys we have to get out of here. The battle did a number on the mountain making it unstable we have to get out of here!" yelled Mousse.

Before either group could leave the ground below them opens up causing the group to fall in as they try to grab onto something so they can climb out. Ranma quickly grabs Ryoga knowing he is in no shape to get out on his own. Trying his best to not hurt Ryoga too much.

"Ranma wait Herb is falling deeper in!" yelled Ryoga.

Ranma looks back and sees Herb got separated from the other two as he continues falling. Acting quickly he uses Kaioken to boost his speed to reach Herb in a few seconds. As he grabs him part of the section of the walls explodes with cold water splashing them. Ranko having no time to worry about the change quickly carries both out with everyone else following her lead.

The group eventually escapes the mountain just as it exploded. They decided they would all camp together as they were too tired from all the fighting and didn't want to move Herb and Ryoko too much.

A few hours later the sun is beginning to set when Herb starts to stir awake. Opening her eyes she looks around and is greeted to the pleasant sight of Ryoko at her side. "Ah, Herb I see you're awake good. Nami and Mint are almost finished cooking the rice and fish so dinner will be served soon."

Herb looks at Ryoko confusedly. "Umm Ryoko the fight did I…"

"You lost Herb sorry." Ryoko quickly finished for Herb. "But don't worry we had a great fight one for the history books Mu-Tsu told me. So you have nothing to be ashamed about. Oh, I forgot I bet you want to be a man right now."

Ryoko grabs the Open-Water Kettle nearby then pours it on Herb transforming her back into a male. "Thank you, Miss Ryoko, it's good to be back in my birth form."

Ryoko gives a heartfelt smile. "Yeah, I know the feeling or at least I sort of used to. Well here is the Kettle it belongs to the Musk correct? We already gave Lime the ladle."

Herb graciously accepts the kettle. "Thank you, Miss Ryoko, I am extremely grateful." Looking at the kettle he knew should let Ryoko turn back into her birth form too even though he enjoys Ryoko's company more.

"Miss Ryoko, allow me to return the favor and turn you back to your birth form too." Herb then pours the hot water on Ryoko before she could protest. Herb was then surprised no change had happened. "What happened you should have returned to normal even had you been splashed with the ladle this unlocks the curse."

Ryoko sighs then explain to Herb about the conditions surrounding her curse. Ranma who was by the fire was watching the two interact. Ranma did not like how close they were interacting. Ranma really wanted to have a chat with Ryoko about yesterday but held off as she was still in pain for overtaxing the kaioken.

When Ryoko finished her explanation Herb was quiet for a moment before smiling. "I'm sorry for your situation Ryoko but I think perhaps it is fate telling you are better off as a girl."

Herb sits up grabbing Ryoko's hand holding it gently. "I think fate wanted you to be a girl. Don't you think perhaps your life improved since you've been living life as a girl?"

Ryoko blushes at the contact. "Umm well, I guess you are right my life is hugely better when I became a girl and started living like one. I actually have friends' for once not just convenient associates."

"See what did I tell you." Herb then reaches into his robes pulling out the 3-star ball placing it in her hand. "You won the fight so the dragon ball is your sweat Ryoko."

Ranma was getting irritated at how Herb was acting with Ryoko. He would go over there and give Herb a piece of his mind but he knows that would only start a fight which is what got him in trouble in the first place. Looking to the fire where Nami and mint were Mint says the food is ready.

Using this as an excuse he heads over to the other two intervening grabbing Ryoko's hand pulling her up gently. "Hey, guys foods ready. Come on Ryoko lets go get some grub I bet you're really hungry."

Herb is irritated that Ranma interrupted his discussion but his need for food overrules his anger. As everyone gathers to eat dinner Herb made sure to sit next to Ryoko even if it was to piss off Ranma. While they ate Ranma and Herb couldn't help but glare at each other. Ryoko did her best to keep the peace even told Herb that Ranma saved both of them when the mountain collapsed.

Hearing that Herb did try to act more civil to Ranma to an extent but the two were still frosty to one another. When they finished eating dinner Ranma took Ryoko somewhere more private as he wanted to chat with her while the rest set up camp.

The two made it to the river where it was nice and quiet. "Ryoko about yesterday I need to tell you I'm sorry. I was out of line. I realized I was being very cruel to you using my girl-form to continuously trick you. Not once did I realize how you must have felt. I'm sorry for making fun of you I don't know how to control my mouth." Said Ranma.

Before he could continue Ryoko place a finger on his mouth. "No Ranma the only person who should be sorry is me. I broke my promise to you and attacked you in anger and nearly killed you. I'm the dishonorable bastard and as promise my life is forfeit. For both our sakes and what's left of our friendship kill me."

Ryoko then gets on her knees lowering her head in submission. Ranma was disturbed how serious she was. Of course, Ranma was having none of that as he grabs her by the shoulders. "Ryoko you are my best friend I could never kill you. Besides you only tried to kill me because I pushed you into it because of my ego. The only one who should be sorry is me."

Ryoko keeps her head lowered. "But I don't deserve your forgiveness. All I ever do is hurt you."

Ranma then raises her head staring at her in the eye. "Ryoko I care about you too much to lose my best friend over something like this. So if I can do whatever with your life then I order you to live! I want you to continue being my friend; being there for me when I need you. I also promise to do the same for you to always be there for you when you need me. So how about it Ryo lets promise to be the best of friends until the end of time!"

Ryoko starts to tear up crying. "Yes, Ranma I promise. We will be the best of friends until the end of time!" they both start to hug each other as they cried in each other's arms. Even Ranma who was trained to never cry as it was unmanly cried that he had a second chance with the best friend he ever had as she always put his needs first.

After about a couple of minutes, the two finished their touching moment they returned to the rest of the group. As the two enter camp, Nami notices both are happily holding hands. Seeing another opportunity to tease she takes it. "Hey, Ranma Ryo you two seem awfully close to one another seeing that you are both holding hands. So what were you two doing by yourselves so long? Were you two having a romantic rendezvous?"

Ranma and Ryoko quickly let go of each other's hands blushing, "No it's not like that Ranma was just helping me get back to camp without getting lost is all." Defended Ryoko.

"Yeah what she said. Besides we were only just clearing the air between us." Defended Ranma.

Nami gives off a knowing smile before letting them go. The two then go over to where Mousse left Ryoko's bag to take out the tent. As Ranma watches Ryoko take out the tent seeing that it is broken she starts taking out some tools and cloth and starts repairing it. "Hey, Ryo I'm sorry about the tent if it weren't for you know yesterday…"

Ryoko interrupts Ranma. "No need to apologize anymore Ranma. We are both at fault for that. Don't worry about the tent I had to repair my tent numerous times when something like this happened. I'll get a new one when we get back to Nerima. Ranma will you help me reach the store it normally takes me a week or two when I get back to town to find the store."

Ranma nods his head. "Of course I'll help best buddy."

After about a few minutes Ryoko finishes making the repairs to the tent fixing that hole up top. Both of them together quickly set it up. As they enter the tent Ryoko went into her bag to get the futons she finds that both are damp. "Umm Ranma sorry the futons in my bag are wet."

"Oh, I forgot yesterday they were getting soaked in the rain when the tent fell apart." Said Ranma.

Ryoko then takes out the only thing she had left being her sleeping bag. "Umm well, I still have my sleeping bag. It's big enough for both of us thought it might be a tight squeeze."

Ranma blush at this. "Oh umm you know I could just sleep on the ground or just used one of the wet futons if you like."

Ryoko blushes. "Um no that's no good Ranma you might catch a cold or something like that. I would feel guilty if you had to sleep like that. Let's just share the sleeping bag together. We just have to make sure no one ever learns we are doing this or we might never hear the end of this especially from Nami."

"Umm yeah you're right about that; I especially don't want Akane or anyone else back in Nerima hearing about this." Ranma and Ryoko then enter the sleeping bag with Ranma on bottom and Ryoko lying on top of him.

As they both sat together in the sleeping bag despite the tight squeeze they actually felt comfortable. 'Wow, she is really warm. I can't help but wrap my arms around her; haven't felt this comfortable in a long time.' "Hey Ryoko you comfortable there lying like that?" said a blushing Ranma.

Ryoko who was blushing hard as she lied on his chest feeling his heartbeat on his warm chest. "Umm yeah, Ranma I'm fine. It's actually not that bad and wait… what's that thing poking me in my stomach?"

Ranma is shocked to realize that his stallion had gone erect when Ryoko started touching it. "Oh, its nothing just pretends it's not there."

After Ryoko gets a good feel of it she realizes the bulge is coming from Ranma's pants. She couldn't help but give a small laugh. "Oh, so that's what it is. It looks like I get a reaction out of you after all. Now you know how I feel all those time you acted intimate with me in girl-form."

"Okay, you got me there just don't tell anyone please." Said an embarrassed pigtail boy.

"Don't worry this will be between us now let's get some sleep my body is still aching." Ryoko wiggles around finding the best sleeping position while intentionally rubbing her body against Ranma's stallion before settling on a spot to sleep.

It's not long that the lost girl drifts off to sleep with the pigtail boy completely red-faced. 'I wonder if Ryo did all that on purpose just to get back at me. Man, I pretty sure I did a lot of things like that to Ryo before. It took all my self-control not to do anything inappropriate like what my mind telling me to rip her clothes off and…yeah my mind really getting dirty keep it together Saotome. But man she really feels nice and soft; not to mention smells really nice right now. Argh, stupid brain I better get some sleep my brain must be broken or something.' Not long after Ranma drifts off to sleep.

The next morning

The two groups were packing up preparing to go their separate ways. The two groups now facing each other. "I like to say thanks again for returning to us the Ladle and Kettle. After I lost the fight I would have no arguments had you chose to keep them as is the right to the victor." Said Herb.

"Don't mention it, Herb. They were yours in the first place and bringing them back with us would only cause nothing but trouble back home especially the Ladle." Said Ryoko. The other in Ryoko's group nod their heads agreeing with whole heartily.

"I see then I guess this is where we part ways for the final time then. I have to ask are you sure you don't want to return with us back to the Musk Dynasty? We are your people after all Ryoko and I'm sure the Lion clan would happily welcome you into the clan." Said Herb.

Ranma looks at Ryoko worriedly when she smiled back at Herb. "Thanks for the offer Herb but even if I wanted to both my family and I are suffering under a family curse that gives us no sense of direction. Because of this we always end up lost not knowing where we may end up. I wouldn't be able to stay in your city long as I can easily end up halfway across the world in mere moments."

Herb was surprised to hear this. "I'm sorry Ryoko I didn't know your situation was that bad. You know I heard from the Lion clan that a few centuries ago one of their greatest warriors in the clan that rivaled even the King of the Musk Dynasty of the time angered a great wizard and was said to be cursed to wander aimlessly in the world to never be able to find his way back home. Perhaps you are related to that lion clan member."

Ryoko shrugs. "Well, anything is possible considering most of my family that I ever did meet were lived on completely different continents from where they were born. But don't worry about me I'm collecting these dragon balls to cure my family of this horrible curse."

"So that's why you needed it. I wish you the best of luck on your journey then. I wish I could accompany you but I still have obligation back home. But if an opportunity arises and I can travel again I hope you don't mind if I tag along for a while. I do enjoy your company Ryoko. Not to mention you're the greatest opponent I ever faced." Said Herb.

Ryoko gives him a heartwarming smile. "Hey, you're not bad yourself. I wouldn't mind fighting you again as the last time you were already tired from fighting Ranma so I don't consider the last fight a true win. Next time it will be just us two fighting to see who the winner is."

Herb couldn't help but smile back. "You truly are a woman after my own heart Ryoko. I accept the next time we meet we will have a proper battle so I plan on training until the day we meet again. Until then goodbye Ryoko may our paths cross someday." Herb grabs Ryoko's hand and kisses the back of it causing Ryoko to blush.

"Umm yeah, I hope to see you again Herb." Said an embarrassed Ryoko.

Ranma couldn't help but intervene when Herb kissed Ryoko's hand by grabbing Ryoko holding her close. "Well, I think that's enough goodbyes see ya later Herb. Come Ryoko we better get going.

Ranma was already leading Ryoko by hand away from Herb heading toward the direction of Nerima with the others following. Herb glares at Ranma's back. "Don't think I forgot about you Ranma. I admit you might be a worthy opponent after all but I still intend to beat you to an inch of your life. Come Lime and Mint we are returning home." With that, the Musk warrior went their way heading home.

With Ranma's group Mousse had to ask. "Ryoko that last move you used back there against Herb was pretty cool but the stuff you said before it sounded kind of cheesy. Where you learned it from?"

"Yeah I know it sounded kind of cool but it sounded like something those superheroes from those tv shows would say." Agreed Nami.

"Umm, it was something my little sister suggested I do thinking it would be cool. I just thought I try it." Said an embarrassed lost girl trying to hide her face.

"Well, I think it was cool especially when both the dragon and lion clashed. It was awesome!" said Ranma.

"I'm surprised you're not bitter about Ryoko beating Herb while you lost again Saotome." Said Herb.

Ranma shakes his head. "Nah old me would be but after everything that happened this past week, it just got me more excited. I mean come on I'm much stronger than I was a week ago. The me from a week ago wouldn't stand a chance against me now. Sure I lost to Herb but if I keep this training up I'm sure I'll surpass him in no time. And besides I got the one who beat him right next to me to spar with so my goal is to surpass her first."

"Well, I'm glad you're back to your usual cheerful self Ranma. Let's hurry up and get going then. We can start our training back up a little later I like to enjoy my victory walk. My muscles are still sore." Said Ryoko.

"You know if you want I can try to give you a massage to help your weary muscles aches?" suggested Ranma.

"Thanks, Ranma I may take you up on that. Maybe when we get back to Nerima I'll give you that full body massage I promised you." Said Ryoko.

Ranma perks up to that. "Really, well what we waiting for come on let's go guys." Ranma then starts running. "Wait for us Ranma!" Ryoko then runs after him.

Nami and Mousse couldn't help but laugh at their byplay. "I swear those two act like a couple sometimes." Said Mu-Tsu.

"Yeah, I know. I swear those two are perfect for one another." Said Nami.

"Don't let them hear you say that especially Ranma." Said Mu-Tsu.

"Why it's not like Ranma would understand what I'm saying anyway." Said Nami. The two laughed one more time before running after the other two as they all make their way back home to Nerima the most chaotic screwy town in all Japan.

A/N: I hoped you enjoyed the story. Just so you know I going back to my main story again as I left alone too long and I like to finish it first. I'll be back to this story eventually until then Happy Valentines!